Image Communication Apparatus Power State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image communication apparatuses face challenges in power saving modes when using non-ringing incoming signal functions, as they require sufficient power to generate pseudo call signals, which can lead to decreased power saving effects due to potential power supply failures during sleep states.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus implements multiple power states with varying power consumption levels, including a second power state with lower consumption, where the ringing unit operates based on user settings, and a control unit shifts the operation state accordingly to ensure power availability for non-ringing control, maintaining effective power saving without compromising functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is supplied to the NCU from the power supply of the image communication apparatus to enable non-ringing control, then the non-ringing function can be maintained, but power consumption increases and power saving effect decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power state management by transitioning between a first power state (higher power consumption, non-ringing control active) and a second power state (lower power consumption, non-ringing control inactive). The control unit dynamically adjusts the power supply state based on operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and energy consumption rather than maintaining a fixed power consumption level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter by controlling the power supply unit to switch between different power delivery modes. In the first power state, power is supplied to the NCU for non-ringing control, while in the second power state, power supply to the NCU is stopped or reduced. This parameter change enables the system to adapt power consumption levels to match operational needs.
2Loss of energy
If the image communication apparatus transitions to a power saving state (sleep state), then power consumption is reduced, but power supply for generating pseudo call signals may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its power state based on operational context. When non-ringing control is not currently needed, the system transitions to a second power state that conserves energy. When non-ringing control becomes necessary, the system can transition back to the first power state to ensure adequate power supply, thus dynamically balancing power saving effects with power supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit determines in advance whether to transition to the second power state by assessing whether non-ringing control is currently required. This preliminary assessment prevents premature power state transitions that would compromise power supply reliability, while still enabling power saving when conditions permit.
3Reliability
If the NCU generates pseudo call signals to sound ringtone in non-ringing mode, then incoming fax signals can be distinguished from telephone calls, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the NCU's operational state based on whether signal distinction is currently needed. When the system is in the second power state, the NCU does not generate pseudo call signals, thereby reducing power consumption. When needed, the system transitions to the first power state where the NCU can generate these signals for accurate signal distinction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the NCU by controlling whether it actively generates pseudo call signals or remains in a low-power state. This parameter change allows the system to adjust between high signal distinction accuracy and low power consumption based on current operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image communication apparatus has, as operation states, a first power state and a second power state with lower power consumption than the first power state. The apparatus comprises a ringing unit that rings according to an predetermined incoming signal from an external; a setting unit that sets whether the ringing unit rings according to the predetermined incoming signal or not; and a control unit that shifts the operation state from the first power state to the second power state based on at least the setting set by the setting unit.